It takes a lot to impress me, but today it happened! I have often taken Bethany and Eloise to local play gyms with their tatty equipment, horrendous toilet facilities and dubious food hygiene. I have spent whole mornings trying to drink a cup of "tea" whilst rising every two minutes to console crying children who have fallen off something, had a fight with someone or demanded sweets and drinks. I accepted it as a way of life until today, 21st February 2008.

Today I took Eloise, with Auntie Heather and Olivia to the WESLEY PLAYHOUSE in the Howden Clough Methodist Church building. Operated by church volunteers, the place was light, airy, clean and cheerful. The food was delicious (and reasonably priced), and it was healthy, fairly traded and locally sourced. They even served Earl Grey tea, with a choice of several other varieties. The atmosphere was calm and relaxed and, in the three hours we were there, not a single child was heard crying - incredible for a building full of pre-school age children.

Eloise and Olivia left us in peace to relax and sip Earl Grey, and were totally engrossed in the Noah's Ark and other activities, even befriending other children. The adults' and children's toilets were seperate, and they even had medium and small sized lavatories.

The only hard part was persuading the children to leave at the end! We actually returned home more relaxed than when we set out. If these pictures are not enough for you, visit their website (click this star: ) or telephone 07511 868836 for details of opening hours, or availability to hire for your kids' parties!

 Auntie Heather relaxes with her cup of Earl Grey

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